Two more self-immolations in Tibet

Dharamsala, April 20 (IANS) Two more young Tibetans have immolated themselves in Tibet’s northeastern Ngaba region, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said here Friday.

A total of 36 people have reportedly killed themselves since 2009 to protest Beijing’s “repressive policies” and demand the return of the Dalai Lama to his homeland, it said.

The CTA said Choepak Kyab and Sonam, both in their 20s, set themselves afire in Barma town near Jonang Gonchen Monastery in Zamthang.

“The situation in the area remains tense following the deployment of a large number of military troops,” CTA spokesperson Tashi told IANS.

The CTA, based here, has already clarified that Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has always discouraged drastic action and the Tibetan cabinet has made repeated appeals to refrain from extreme measures.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet along with many of his supporters and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.

China has denounced the Dalai Lama as the “ringleader of the conspiracy of Free Tibet”.